Resources & Further Reading
Harper & Debbage supports the study, conservation and appreciation of cultivated plants through research, education and community engagement. This page brings together a selection of trusted organisations, archives and reading materials for those interested in horticultural history and plant conservation.
Key Organisations & Societies
- Plant Heritage – The charity responsible for the National Plant Collections® scheme.
Plant Heritage supports collection holders and promotes the conservation of cultivated plants across the UK. - Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) – The UK’s leading horticultural charity, offering advice, research, and extensive historical archives through the RHS Lindley Library.
- British Fuchsia Society (BFS) – Dedicated to promoting and conserving the fuchsia. Harper & Debbage collaborates with the BFS to help monitor and record Fuchsia Gall Mite activity nationwide.
Historic Registers & Archives
Reliable online and published sources for plant research, cultivar verification and historical reference:
- Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (POWO) – A comprehensive global database maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, providing verified scientific information, taxonomy, and plant distribution data.
- RHS Plant Database – Provides current listings of cultivated plants and their suppliers. The RHS also publishes an annual A–Z directory called the RHS Plant Finder
- International Register for Fuchsia Cultivars – Maintained by the American Fuchsia Society since 1967 as the official International Register for Fuchsia cultivars under International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS).
- Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) – An extensive open-access archive of digitised horticultural and botanical literature, preserving historic texts from libraries and institutions worldwide.
- Plant Heritage National Plant Collection® Database – Search the official register of National Plant Collections®, featuring thousands of conserved cultivated plants held by accredited collection holders across the UK.
- Internet Archive – A vast digital library containing high-resolution scans of historic seed catalogues, horticultural journals and botanical reference works from around the world.
These sources are invaluable for researchers tracing plant origins, hybridisation and cultivar history.
Recommended Reading
A curated list of titles for those interested in horticultural history, fuchsia hybridisation and the conservation of cultivated plants. Some of these books are occasionally available in our online shop as second-hand editions, while others are recommended for wider research or reference.
Fuchsias & Hybridisers
Books focused on fuchsia cultivation, hybridisation.
- Fuchsias: The Complete Guide to Growing – John Nicholass
- Fuchsias: A Colour Guide – George Bartlett
- Fuchsias: The New Cultivars – George Bartlett
- Hardy Fuchsias: Step by Step to Success – George Bartlett
- Fuchsias: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide – Carol Gubler
- Fuchsias: The Complete Guide – Edwin Goulding
- Fuchsias: A Guide to Cultivation and Display – Edwin Goulding
- Growing Fuchsias – Deborah Law
- Fuchsia: A Hamlyn Care Manual – David Clark
- Fuchsias and Bedding Plants – Not specified
- Fuchsias (Wisley Handbook) – Not specified
- Fuchsias (Aura Garden Guides) – Not specified
- Fuchsias (Concorde Gardening) – Not specified
- Fuchsias in Colour – Not specified
- A Colour Guide to Fuchsias – Not specified
- A Second Colour Guide to Fuchsias – Not specified
- A Third Colour Guide to Fuchsias – Not specified
- A Fuchsia Survey – W. P. Wood
- Wagtails Book of Fuchsias – Eileen Saunders
- 1000 Fuchsias: A Colour Guide – Miep Nijhuis
- Illustrated Guide to Growing Fuchsias – Alan D. Dale
- Fuchsias: Their Cultivation and Display – George Foster
Horticultural History & Heritage
Exploring the lives, gardens and discoveries of the plant collectors and hybridisers who shaped horticulture as we know it.
- The Gardeners’ Chronicle – Various Editors (1841–20th century). A foundational periodical documenting horticultural developments and debates.
These works provide insight into the historical context that inspired many of the cultivars preserved within the Harper & Debbage collections.
Plant Heritage & Conservation
Guides and reference works on the documentation, maintenance and protection of cultivated plant diversity.
- Plant Heritage Journal – various contributors
- National Plant Collections Handbook – Plant Heritage
- RHS Encyclopaedia of Gardening – Christopher Brickell
- Conservation of Cultivated Plants – (Plant Heritage publication)
- The Living Collections of Gardens – BGCI report
Ideal for anyone considering starting a National Plant Collection® or contributing to plant conservation networks.
Archival & Reference Works
Valuable for researchers and collection holders seeking accurate plant names, origins and classification.
- RHS Plant Finder (annual publication)
- The International Register of Cultivated Plant Names – RHS
- Botanical Latin – William Stearn
- Manual of Cultivated Plants – L.H. Bailey
Shop & Support
Our online shop features a changing selection of second-hand horticultural books and reference materials. Purchases directly support the ongoing research, documentation, and maintenance of our National Plant Collections®.
All items are sold second-hand. Harper & Debbage does not sell plants.
Research Collaboration
Harper & Debbage welcomes collaboration with researchers, horticultural societies and heritage organisations. We actively participate in projects relating to:
- National Plant Collection® development
- Historic cultivar research and documentation
- Education and community engagement in horticulture
Citation & Acknowledgement
If referencing information from this website, please cite: Harper & Debbage – [Page: Resources & Further Reading], harperdebbage.uk (Accessed [insert date]).